The Art and Science (and Slusarski) of Baseball

Larry Dierker: Art and Science in Baseball

Totally irrellevant read here from the typical blog commentary. But as an old-school baseball fan, this is just a great read on the art & science of managing baseball from Astros legend, Larry Dierker.

Dierk might do well to offer a few similar thoughts on why or how he managed to get out-coached in the big games (was that an art? ... or science?). Of course, I've not read his latest book, so I could just as well have missed it if he has. And I offer that with my reverential respect firmly intact for the man's lifetime tenure as an Astro (and Colt .45). I love to occassionally dabble with sabermetrics, but the new "small park" era isn't my cup of tea. Give me a two and a half hour, <10-hit, 3-1 game that has a little suspense in it, and I can be found at the edge of my seat. But when the highlight reels show a homerun derby contest that passes for a game, I'm switching channels.

If nothing else, Dierk's post ought to be worth a read since this is probably the most analysis anyone has ever offered on the pitching skills of Joe Slusarski ... who I have to confess to forgetting all about.